Lionel Messi ended his international football career with a goal and two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly game on Oct. 6 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
After multiple failed goal attempts by both Argentina and Benin in the first half, Argentina opened the second half with a goal in the 48th minute by Nicolás Otamendi, who was assisted by a corner kick from Messi.
Argentina made two substitutions right after in the 50th minute, with Nicolás Tagliafico and Otamendi leaving the pitch for Facundo Medina and Lisandro Martinez, respectively.
Otamendi was met with applause from the crowd as he left the pitch in honor of what was also his last international match before retirement.
In the 60th minute, Nico Paz scored another goal for Argentina, assisted by a pass from Messi, to make it 2-0.
After Argentine defender Agustin Giay was fouled inside the box by Benin’s Tamimou Ouorou, Argentina was awarded a penalty kick, allowing them a 3-0 lead as Messi scored in the 71st minute.
The night was filled with multiple tributes to Messi and his career.
At the 10th minute, the referee stopped the game for a one-minute tribute to Messi. He was met by fireworks and applause from the crowd as they chanted, “Olé, Olé Olé Olé, Messi, Messi.”
After the final whistle, a drone show was organized by Sancor Seguros, a sponsor of the Argentine Football Association. The drones lit up the sky with images dedicated to Messi, including his jersey number and pictures of himself.
The tribute also featured a performance by folk artist Soledad Pastorutti, known as “La Sole,” who dedicated her song “Brindis” to Messi. The song holds significance for Messi and the national team.
It was originally dedicated to Diego Maradona’s legacy and was used in another retirement post from Messi on Instagram.
Her performance was followed by a speech from Messi, where he reiterated what he wrote in his letter to fans when he first announced his retirement and expressed his gratitude toward his fans and teammates.
“Not coming back is going to be a huge pain,” he said.
“I swear I’d like to come back for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentine National Team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.” Messi continued.
Messi later took to Instagram after the game to express his gratitude once again.
“Yesterday was my last game and I already miss wearing the blue and white,” he said. “I know I’m making the right decision. It was an incredible journey, full of joys and also some sadness, but I’m clear that every step I took was worth it.”
Messi finished his 21-year-long international career with a total of 208 appearances and 126 goals.
